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Named Clothing Talvikki Sweater

Monday, October 03, 2016

It's not really a secret that I LOVE Named Clothing, but the new Evolution Theory collection set my heart a flutter even more than usual. I wasn't sure which pattern to buy first (because I wanted them all) but I plumped for the Talvikki Sweater first (after seeing an amazing one by my friend Erin - which she whipped up in record time). So here it is:

Finished Talvikki Sweater!

I bought this incredible navy blue stretch bubble fabric from Abakhan after the Big Simplicity Blog Meet in May. I'd never really seen anything like it, and totally loved the feel and design of it, so despite not having a use in mind, I just had to buy it. Each bubble has a thin layer of wadding in it - so great for being winter warm, whilst still being quite lightweight. I always thought I might try out a Linden or an Astoria with it, but when I saw the Talvikki, I just knew it had to be!

The Talvikki pattern

Close up of the 'bubble' fabric, and blue crepe underneath for a future project!

The fabric was really lovely to cut and sew, and worked even better than I could've hoped for with the pattern. I downloaded the PDF version, which makes use of the layered feature again, so you only have to print off the layer with your chosen size on it. The shaping on the neck was really interesting to construct with angled darts, and it creates such a cool silhouette.

Drawing the angled darts with my favourite tool - the chalk wheel!

Things I didn't do (that I probably should have):

Stabilise the shoulder seams with elastic - I know this might be bad for my garment in the long run, but you know when you've never done something before so you put it off? Yeah that...

Use interfacing on the neck facing - the pattern suggests using knit interfacing. I'm sure it's available to buy in any shop, but it's never been something I've considered/had to buy before so I panicked a little and skipped it. Although I think the neckline would benefit from a tiny bit more structure, the fabric I used is just about weight-y enough to hold it's own.

First picture of the finished sweater

In all, I don't think I can fault the pattern. The instructions are as clear as always with Named, and super easy to follow. As well as the neckline, I love the split side seams and short-front/longer-back style. The sleeves are quite long, but this suits me as I like to be able to turn them up a couple of times. It's a nice and relaxed, yet still quite stylish, jumper - the sort you might come across in Toast or Cos, but it feels so good to be able to make one for a snip of those prices.

From the back - where the jumper is longer in length

I wore it to the wonderful Sew Brum, and it received many compliments and a good few squishes and prods from those who were interested in the fabric. I had a great day meeting and catching up with sewing friends new and old, and came home with a top winter fabric haul, and a new-to-me Named pattern courtesy of Jess in the pattern swap (we managed to pick each others patterns without even realising, so Jess took home my V1395).

A snippet of a fab day at Sew Brum

I'm already planning a second Talvikki Sweater using my spoils from Sew Brum - the beautiful mustard leopard print wool mix I grabbed in Barry's (top right!). As well as that, I took the plunge and bought some wool to make a coat with (I threw my old raggedy high street coat in the recycling to force me to sew one). It's a deep purple/aubergine colour which doesn't really come across in the picture, and it's so soft and stroke-able. I'm thinking the Named Yona Wrap coat unless I spot another pattern first - recommendations welcome!

I've never seen material like that before- it makes such an interesting sweater, and the pattern looks like it really suits it! And the fact that you got rid of your coat in order to force yourself to make a new one, made me laugh. That sounds like something I would do, but then not get around to sewing the new one until the season was over ;) Aubergine sounds lovely, can't wait to see the finished coat!The Artyologist

Thank you Nicole! Yeah I'm really loving wearing it - can't wait to make another :) And I'm laughed myself at the coat thing... but starting to get the fear now as the weather turns! So need to get sewing - wish me luck!x

Just lovely! It really does look like an expensive sweater from a nice, trendy shop. =) LOVED the pic of the fabric you shared on IG the other day for your next version--it's sure to be a cozy statement sweater!-Abbey

Shauni, I found your blog post via The Fold Line! Your fabric choice is fab. The creative brief for the Evolution Theory collection talks about inspiration from Finnish rocks and other natural elements, and I totally see little pebbles in the navy knit. Well done! Now I'm tempted to give it a bash. About how long did it take to stitch up?

Hi Erin, thanks for such a lovely comment! Ah I love that you see some of the Evolution Theory inspiration in the fabric - a total accident, but it really is quite pebble like now you mention it :) I'd totally recommend giving it a go! The darts were the most time consuming, but it only took me about an evening to actually make it up. I look forward to seeing yours if you decide to give it a go!xx

Thanks for the words of encouragement. It's not a style that I'd usually go for, but I'm intrigued by it. Sometimes you have to scratch those itches! I'll loop you in if I do. :D Keep up the good sewing!

Love this sweater! I think this pattern is next on my to-make list. I have some gorgeous navy and ivory ponte roma kind of fabric that I bought from my friends shop a couple of weeks ago just waiting to be turned into this.

Thank you! I bet it would look fab in navy and ivory! I've seen a few made up and it looks different every time - a real versatile pattern :) I have some wool to make it in next, but I was intrigued by a neoprene/scuba version I saw... The list really is never ending! x

Hello!

I'm Shauni. I started dressmaking after a lifelong interest in crafts and creative pursuits. I make clothes using a mixture of indie, commercial and self-drafted patterns and post about them here at The Magnificent Thread!